Bobrisky, other Nigeria celebrities that served jail term

Numerous Nigerian celebrities have found themselves entangled with the law, resulting in jail terms for various offenses. This article highlights five notable figures: Burna Boy, Kizz Daniel, Baba Ijesha, Naira Marley, and the recent one, Bobrisky. Each of whom has faced legal consequences that impacted their careers and public perception.

Burna Boy

Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, is a globally recognized Afrobeat artist who had his first encounter with the law as a minor in the UK. In 2010, he was involved in a gang-related incident that led to the death of a man. As a result, he was sentenced to 11 months in prison. Following his release, Burna Boy was placed on parole for two months and mandated to perform community service. His criminal record in the UK led to a 15-year ban from re-entering the country, but he later rose to fame in Nigeria and internationally, becoming a Grammy Award-winning artist.

Kizz Daniel

Kizz Daniel, whose real name is Daniel Anidugbe, faced legal troubles in 2022 when he was arrested in Tanzania. The singer was detained for failing to perform at a scheduled concert due to lost luggage, which included his performance costume. His absence led to fan protests and a significant backlash. He spent approximately eight hours in custody before being released. To make amends, Kizz Daniel offered a free show to his fans as compensation for the inconvenience caused.

Baba Ijesha

Olarewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, is a Yoruba comic actor who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor. His case drew significant media attention and public outcry, highlighting issues of child protection in Nigeria. Baba Ijesha’s conviction was upheld in 2022, marking a serious legal consequence for his actions.

Naira Marley

Naira Marley, a prominent musician and controversial figure in the Nigerian music scene, was arrested in 2019 on charges related to credit card fraud. He was accused of being part of a larger scheme involving cybercrime. Although he spent some time in custody, he was later released on bail. This incident brought attention to the growing issue of cybercrime in Nigeria and the potential legal ramifications for those involved in such activities.

Naira Marley was also taken into custody for questioning over the death of Mohbad, a musician formerly signed to his Marlian Records. Mohbad died mysteriously on 12 September, 2023. The deceased’s associates pointed accusing fingers at the singer over his alleged mistreatment of the late singer after he left his label.

Bobrisky

Controversial internet personality and cross-dresser Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, was sentenced to six months in prison in 2024 for violating Nigerian currency laws. Specifically, Bobrisky was accused of spraying and stepping on Naira notes at a public event, actions deemed illegal under Nigerian law. This incident sparked widespread media coverage and discussions about the implications of such actions for public figures in Nigeria. However, he was released on Monday, August 5, 202, and his fans seem excited about his release.